Who we are

We are the unified voice of university hospitals, bringing experts and organisations together to create a national forum. Through it our members share best practice and shape the future of healthcare in the UK.

University hospitals are specialty trusts with significant involvement in research and education. Their research puts them at the forefront of developments in care and connections with industry, while their work in education makes them central to providing the future workforce.

Offering the widest range of treatments, university hospitals deal with the most difficult problems a patient might have. With an ageing population and new innovations in treatments and practice, healthcare is becoming more complex. In this context the experience and capabilities of university hospitals become more important than ever.

The status of ‘university hospital’

The Department of Health and Social Care has made membership of the University Hospital Association part of the criteria for gaining the status of ‘university hospital trust’. The term ‘teaching hospital’ is also used, but for clarity and consistency UHA and the Department of Health use the term ‘university hospital’. To learn more about the status of university hospitals, see our guide.

“We are the largest unified voice of the UK’s university hospitals.”

Members

We are the largest unified voice of the UK’s university hospitals, compromising of 46 specialist trusts

Groups

Our national groups allow the sharing of issues and solutions for key areas in the health service

Resources

Our latest documents, informed by our members, their research and first hand experiences, to inspire healthcare change

Recent News

View all news >
Letter to Secretary of State for Health and Social Care: Urgent resolution needed to avoid further strikes

20th February 2023

Letter to Secretary of State for Health and Social Care: Urgent resolution needed to avoid further strikes

This letter from the UHA Chief Nursing Officers Group to Steve Barclay outlines the overall impact of the recent industrial…

Read more >
Queen Elizabeth II: a statement from the University Hospital Association

12th September 2022

Queen Elizabeth II: a statement from the University Hospital Association

It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We reflect on…

Read more >